Milford's best bets this weekend

Looking for something to do in Milford this cold January weekend? There are several activities going on that will keep you entertained and warm.

Christine Miller, arts & entertainment

LOCAL THEATER

Second Street Players head south

The Second Street Players opens its 2013 season with a twang and a dreamy southern drawl this weekend when "Steel Magnolias" hits the stage.

Director Ben Lonski, who recently directed the theater group's serious fall production, "The Diary of Anne Frank" recruited a cast of local stage veterans to bring the larger-than-life southern characters to life. Linda Killion will portray beautician Truvy; Kristen Boehmer will play hovering mother M'Lynn; Tara Megee brings the rebellious Shelby to life; Milford resident Debra Passwaters will portray the evolving wallflower Annelle; Deanna Duby livens up the sassiness of well-meaning curmudgeon Ouiser; And, Tommye Staley of Lincoln will play the wise-cracking Clairee, who famously quips, "If you can't find anything good to say about anybody, come sit by me."

The show will run for two weekends, starting this weekend at the Riverfront Theatre. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. The curtain opens for Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $17 and may be reserved online at secondstreetplayers.com or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006.

"Steel Magnolias" is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. The production is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowments of the Arts.

LOCAL CUISINE

Abbott's Grill cooks up some jazz

This weekend, Abbott's Grill kicks off 2013 with another event in its popular Spotlight Jazz Dinner Series, bringing back international recording artist Gaynell Rose and her talented band of musicians.

Owner and Chef Kevin Reading is thrilled about the return of Gaynell Rose, calling it a can't miss event.

"She was the first performer in our Jazz Dinner Series and got such a positive reaction from the crowd that we couldn't wait to have her back," said Reading.

Rose has been described as "soulful and dynamic" and her shows captivate audiences, taking them through a spectrum of emotions as the show unfolds. She has performed with Patti Labelle and has played festivals from New York to Guadalajara, Mexico.

Performances will take place at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Each night will feature two sets of music and a four-course dinner. Tickets are $65 per person and can be reserved by calling Abbott's Grill at 491-6736 or by visiting their website at abbottsgrill.com.

DANCE

Showcase to benefit local senior center

The First State Academy of Dance will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Milford Senior Center.

The performance is a casual one-act showcase demonstrating the talent of FSAD's younger students, who have been choreographed with a Disney theme. The advanced students will be producing the show, giving them the experience and training needed to put on a performance.

There is no admission charge. However, donations for the Milford Senior Center will be accpeted, which will benefit the center's programs and facility. A 50/50 raffle will also take place.

For more information, call FSAD at (302) 422-2633 or email firststatedance@verizon.net. The Milford Senior Center is located at 111 Park Ave., Milford.

LOCAL ART

Get creative at the Mispillion Art League Gallery

Artist Kelly Sverduk wants to introduce students to the brilliant reds and greens of the American Holly Tree. Learn how to use graded washes to depict form in leaves and berries while practicing basic watercolor techniques. Participants will leave with a completed holly sprig painting. Supplies are included but students must bring their own lunches.

The class will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. The cost for current MAL members is $45. The cost for non-members is $50.

The MAL gallery is located at 5 N. Walnut Street in Milford. Registration forms for all MAL classes may be found at the gallery or at www.mispillionarts.org. For more information, call Education Chairperson Judy Struck at (302) 424-8361.